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| Political storm over AAC, JKIM ban | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 12: Within hours after the Union Home Ministry banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) for alleged anti-national activities, a fierce political exchange erupted between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the National Conference-led government for its silence, alleging that the Union Territory administration was complicit in the Centre’s “muscular policy.” In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah distanced himself from the decision, asserting that he had no prior knowledge of the ban.
“Imposing a ban on any organization in Jammu and Kashmir is beyond the jurisdiction of the J&K Government. I am unaware of the reasons behind banning the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM),” Omar stated. He further added, “The Centre did not share any intelligence inputs with me before imposing the ban.”
While clarifying his stance, Omar maintained that he has never supported banning any political or religious organization. He pointed out that since being released from house arrest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had not made any controversial or provocative statements. “I do not understand why his organization has been banned,” he remarked.
Criticizing the Centre’s move, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday questioned the silence of the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to protect democratic values in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I fail to understand the guarded silence of the elected government on this issue,” she said. “The National Conference has disappointed the people of Jammu and Kashmir by not taking a stand.”
She recalled that when the Centre banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) earlier, it was done under the Lieutenant Governor’s rule. However, she alleged that despite now having an elected government, the National Conference had done nothing to challenge the continuation of such policies.
In the Legislative Assembly, PDP leader Waheed Parra raised strong objections to the ban, urging the House to intervene and seek its reversal.
Parra argued that banning organizations led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Masroor Abbas Ansari would stifle political dissent. He emphasized that dialogue and peaceful engagement, rather than bans, were necessary to address political issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
On Tuesday, the Union Home Ministry imposed a five-year ban on AAC and JKIM, citing their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, support for terrorism, and promotion of secessionist sentiments. The ban can be legally contested after a Tribunal is constituted by the government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X stating that these organizations were inciting the public and threatening national integrity. “Anyone found involved in activities against the nation’s peace, order, and sovereignty will face the crushing blow of the Modi Government,” Shah asserted. |
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